Kempton Fire Claims a Life, Investigation Continues

KEMPTON — Authorities continue to investigate the cause of a fire last Saturday that claimed the life of a 50-year-old Kempton man.

The Kankakee County Coroner’s Office, the Ford County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal’s Office in Springfield are involved in the investigation.

Ford County Sheriff’s Police and firefighters from Kempton, Cabery, Cullom, Saunemen and Pontiac responded to an active house fire at 304 Township Line Road in the village of Kempton around 3 am Saturday.

Firefighters found an adult male lying just inside the front door. Firefighters began life saving efforts until members of the Cullom Ambulance Service arrived on scene and immediately transported the victim to Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.

The victim, 50-year-old Ricky L. Gossett was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Ford County Sheriff Mark Doran said smoke inhalation appears to be the likely cause of death, adding that no foul play is suspected. Results of an autopsy were pending.